Tips for safe driving in the mountains
Gerlos Alpine Road is not the highest, or the most spectacular mountain pass road in the East Alps, but it is certainly the one you can enjoy experiencing and driving on the most. With a moderate nine percent maximum incline and eight, elegant sweeping bends, the 12 kilometre route proceeds from Krimml up to the summit. Since the 1960s this mountain road, which is open year-round, has linked Salzburg and Tyrol. Various tickets for pleasure-filled driving are available at the pay desk at Gerlospass – ranging from a day ticket to the great value tour ticket for bikers. We have put together a few tips here for you as to how you can enjoy your excursion on the Gerlos Alpine Road and with the utmost safety.
Please note our current safety information and possible closures to sections of the road on our start page.
Fun driving
throughout the year!Whether it is spring, summer, autumn or winter – every season has its own charm on Gerlos Alpine Road! The road conditions are excellent, the incline moderate, and along this Alpine road cosy Alpine inns, mountain guesthouses & cafés which provide free car parking tempt you in for a stop-off, or you could enjoy a hike and of course a stop at Krimml Waterfalls and Krimml Worlds of Water at the foot of the Gerlos Alpine Road on the Salzburg side. A journey on Gerlos Alpine Road is fun in natural surroundings & provides pure driving pleasure!
The nature conservation act and the nature conservation ordinance only allow camping at officially approved camping sites. There are no camping sites in the vicinity of the Gerlos Alpine Road, and camping is prohibited along the road
Foresight better than hindsight
Consider that in higher locations in particular, things happen fast, the weather may change, snow might be falling, and the road could be slippery – adapt your driving to suit the road conditions. For motorcyclists especially, a few sections of the road require a good level of fitness, driving expertise and/or experience of the mountains. To fully enjoy tours, you should not overestimate your abilities.
Speed 70 km/hr: Drive slower-enjoy more!
In keeping with the maxim ‘Views, not speed’ and ‘Cruising, not racing’, Gerlos Alpine Road – just like all the other experience roads managed by GROHAG have set a speed limit of 70 km/hr. After all, those who drive more slowly, will simply have more time to look, marvel and enjoy themselves – protecting humans and nature at the same time!
Better braking!
Before you set off on a journey across passes and Alpine roads you definitely ought to check your brake fluid and replace it if necessary. Tip for mountain descending: on considerable descents drop down to second, at times even first gear and use the engine brake. Drivers of automatic vehicles should set the gearshift to manual or level 1-2-3. Just take a look at your operating instructions before starting off!
Broken down? It happens …
In spite of taking care and making preparations for your pleasure-filled tours, your vehicle can break down, so our road service is always by your side to assist and of course provide replacement vehicles from the automobile club.
Find out about prices and opening times before your trip!